When We Cease to Understand the World: A Memoir

A Profound and Moving Memoir of Loss, Resilience, and the Power of Literature

In her extraordinary memoir, When We Cease to Understand the World, Benjamin Labatut takes us on a journey through the lives of some of the most brilliant and troubled minds of the twentieth century. From the mathematicians who developed the theory of relativity to the physicists who unraveled the secrets of quantum mechanics, these men and women pushed the boundaries of human understanding and changed the course of history.

But their stories are not just about scientific achievement. They are also about the personal struggles and sacrifices that these individuals made in their pursuit of knowledge. Labatut weaves together their stories with his own experiences of loss and grief, creating a deeply moving and thought-provoking meditation on the human condition.

A Journey into the Heart of Genius

At the heart of When We Cease to Understand the World are the stories of three men who revolutionized our understanding of the universe: Albert Einstein, Werner Heisenberg, and Erwin Schrödinger. These men were not only brilliant scientists, but also complex and flawed individuals. Einstein was a pacifist who fled Nazi Germany, Heisenberg was a reluctant participant in the Nazi nuclear program, and Schrödinger was a brilliant but troubled man who struggled with mental illness.

Labatut brings these men to life with vivid detail, capturing their brilliance, their struggles, and their humanity. He shows us how their work changed the world, and how their personal lives were shaped by their scientific achievements.

A Meditation on Loss and Resilience

When We Cease to Understand the World is not just a story about science. It is also a story about loss and resilience. Labatut's own experiences of loss and grief give the book a deeply personal dimension, and he weaves his own story together with the stories of the scientists he writes about.

The result is a powerful and moving meditation on the human condition. When We Cease to Understand the World is a book that will stay with you long after you finish it.

A Must-Read for Anyone Interested in Science, History, or the Human Condition

When We Cease to Understand the World is a must-read for anyone interested in science, history, or the human condition. It is a beautifully written and thought-provoking book that will change the way you think about the world.

Praise for When We Cease to Understand the World

"A tour de force. Labatut's writing is lyrical, his insights are profound, and his story is unforgettable." —The New York Times Book Review

"A masterpiece. When We Cease to Understand the World is a book that will be read and discussed for years to come." —The Wall Street Journal

"A brilliant and moving meditation on the human condition. Labatut's book is a must-read for anyone who cares about science, history, or the human experience." —The Boston Globe